North Haven, CT (April 20th, 2022) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Phase I grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for developing compact high effective technology to enhance apple and tree fruit productivity. PCI’s technology could revolutionize the control of ethylene, a naturally occurring gas generated by produce during ripening, transportation and storage. Ethylene stimulates ripening in many fruits and is also a byproduct of ripening, which if left unchecked leads to fruit aging and rotting. Control and removal of ethylene can extend the storage life and freshness of many fruits as well as certain vegetable crops while reducing spoilage.
The objective of this program is to develop PCI’s proprietary technology to economically remove ethylene from fruit storage areas and thereby enhance the preservation and quality of various agricultural products. Phase I will include field testing of a prototype at local commercial apple storage facilities, equivalent research facilities, and engagement with food distribution centers that handle mixed produce refrigeration and long-distance and international refrigerated shipping. PCI will demonstrate technology effectiveness through testing conducted under environmental conditions prevalent in local apple storage operations. These comprehensive tests will provide valuable insights and data, leading to a potential Phase II and pre-commercial field testing for a wide range of applications beyond apples.
The utilization of PCI’s innovative system offers several notable advantages over conventional methods. Currently fruit ripening is limited by adding chemicals such as 1-MCP, DPA, or other antioxidants typically applied prior to cold storage to minimize apple ethylene respiration and superficial scald formation. By avoiding chemical use, growers can economically embrace a more organic approach to fruit production and storage. This shift not only reduces costs associated with fruit handling, such as ventilation requirements, but also decreases overall damage and loss.
Moreover, the positive outcomes anticipated from this study extend beyond apples to other tree fruits, including plums and peaches, as well as vegetables, cut flowers, and instances where mixed produce needs to be stored in refrigerated spaces. The potential to enhance the storage and quality of these diverse agricultural products offers significant advances to the industry and enables growers to meet the rising demand for organic produce.
Kevin Burns, President at PCI, comments, “Everyone would love having more flavorful and wider variety of produce available longer throughout the year! Our high efficiency technology offers a sustainable and organic alternative to traditional chemical-based ethylene control methods, empowering growers to produce healthier, readily stored and more profitable crops.”
Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy and environmental technology company developing new processes and systems for energy and environmental sector applications.
For more information, contact:
Stewart Rosenberg
Business Development Leader
